Celebrate Culture and Creativity: February on Maui
Posted by Island Sotheby's International Realty on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 9:25am
Maui is buzzing with exciting events this February — from cultural celebrations that honor the island’s rich history and traditions, to comedy shows that promise laughter-filled evenings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Art lovers can immerse themselves in creative showcases, while music enthusiasts can revel in live performances from world-renowned artists. This month is all about celebrating the best of Maui’s culture, creativity, and entertainment, so be sure to mark your calendars and join in the fun!
Lunar New Year Celebrations on Maui
Celebrate the Lunar New Year across Maui with vibrant events that showcase cultural performances, traditional lion dances, and community spirit. Here are the events happening throughout the island:
Maui Chinese New Year Festival
February 1, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Maui Mall Village, Kahului
This family-friendly festival features lion dance performances, Tai Chi demonstrations, a keiki Chinese fashion show, cultural exhibits, and delicious traditional foods.
Lahaina Chinese New Year Festival
February 7, 2025, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Lahaina Cannery Mall, Lahaina
Hosted by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation and Wo Hing Society, the celebration features cultural performances, traditional lion dances, and engaging activities for all ages.
Second Saturday Celebrating Lunar New Year
February 8, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
South Maui Gardens, Kīhei
Enjoy traditional lion dances, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and sword demonstrations. The event also includes a night market with local vendors and diverse food trucks.
Rebelution
February 7, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
Experience the laid-back vibes of reggae with Rebelution, one of the genre’s most celebrated bands, with special guests Tribal Seeds, as they perform live under the stunning Maui sky. Known for their soulful melodies, uplifting lyrics, and powerful stage presence, Rebelution promises an unforgettable evening of music. Fans can enjoy hits like "Safe and Sound" and "Feeling Alright," as well as newer tracks from their latest album. This outdoor concert will offer food vendors, a vibrant atmosphere, and the perfect way to unwind while soaking in the island’s natural beauty.
Jeff Arcuri: Whole Wide World
February 14, 2025, 7:00 PM
Castle Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Spend an evening with a hearty dose of laughter at Jeff Arcuri's Whole Wide World Comedy Show. Known for his sharp wit, quick timing, and engaging storytelling, Jeff Arcuri has been featured on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and Comedy Central, earning acclaim as one of the freshest voices in comedy today. His performance will explore relatable everyday topics, hilarious personal anecdotes, and unexpected observations that leave audiences in stitches.
Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational
February 15 – 23, 2025
Various locations throughout Maui
The Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational is a week-long event from February 15 to 23, 2025, where 24 invited artists from Hawaii and the mainland will capture Maui's stunning landscapes in real-time. The event features several public painting demonstrations across the island, allowing residents and visitors to witness the creative process firsthand. The week culminates in a grand sale at Village Gallery in Lahaina, where attendees can view and purchase the freshly created artworks.
Event Highlights:
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Kick-off Paint Out at Hanakaoʻo Park (Canoe Beach), Lahaina
Date & Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Details: Artists will gather to paint en plein air, capturing views of the mountains, Pacific Ocean, neighboring islands, and seasonal humpback whales. Hanakaoʻo Beach Park is located off Highway 30, adjacent to the Kāʻanapali Hyatt Hotel.
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Sunset Paint Out at D.T. Fleming Beach & Ritz Carlton, Kapalua
Date & Time: Monday, February 17, 2025, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Details: Artists will paint scenes overlooking the ocean and the island of Molokaʻi, capturing the light at the end of the day. Following the paint out, a free lecture and slide show by Jean Stern will be held at the Ritz Carlton Plantation Ballroom at 7:00 PM. -
Jean Stern Lecture & Slide Show at Kapalua Ritz Carlton
Date & Time: Monday, February 17, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Details: Art historian Jean Stern will present "Lest We Forget: Paintings of Maui from 1852 to the Lahaina Fire of 2023," focusing on how artists have documented places over time.
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Show and Sale at Village Gallery, Lahaina
Date & Time: Friday, February 21, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; continues through Sunday, February 23, 2025, until 12:00 PM
Details: Meet the artists and view their fresh-off-the-easel paintings. All artworks from the invitational will be available for purchase. Village Gallery is located in the Lahaina Cannery Mall next to Jersey Mike’s Subs.
This invitational not only showcases the talents of participating artists but also supports the Lahaina Restoration Foundation's efforts to preserve and rebuild the historic sites of Lahaina. For a complete schedule and more information, please visit the official event page.
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell
February 15, 2025
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Don’t miss an unforgettable evening with UB40 featuring original founding member Ali Campbell The legendary reggae and pop band is known for their iconic hits like "Red Red Wine," "Can't Help Falling in Love," and "Kingston Town." With over four decades of international success, UB40 has defined the sound of reggae fusion and continues to captivate audiences around the world. Their signature blend of soulful rhythms, upbeat melodies, and heartfelt lyrics creates an electric and feel-good atmosphere.
Paula Fuga: Saving My Love Tour
February 16, 2025, 8:00 PM
da Playground Maui, Māʻalaea
Celebrate the soulful sounds of Paula Fuga as she brings her Saving My Love Tour to da Playground Maui. Known for her powerful vocals and deeply emotional performances, Fuga blends Hawaiian traditions with contemporary influences, creating music that resonates with audiences worldwide. Featuring songs from her acclaimed album Rain on Sunday and other beloved hits, this intimate performance promises an evening of heartfelt connection and aloha spirit.
An Evening with David Sedaris
February 17, 2025, 7:30 PM
Castle Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
America’s best-selling humorist and social satirist, David Sedaris, returns to the MACC following the publication of his most recent book of short stories, Happy Go Lucky, and his first-ever children’s book, Pretty Ugly. Known for his sharp wit and incisive observations, Sedaris will entertain audiences with all-new, unpublished stories and commentary, delivered in his trademark sartorial and humorous style. Prepare to laugh and reflect as he brings his unique perspective to the stage.
Attendees are invited to bring personal copies of Sedaris’s books or magazine articles for signing, as he will be hosting a book signing both before and after the show. While books from his extensive catalog will not be available for purchase on-site, fans are encouraged to bring their favorite works or order online ahead of time to make the most of this special opportunity.
The Great Whale Count 2025
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January Count: January 27, 2025 (Completed – 2,121 whales observed)
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February Count: February 22, 2025
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March Count: March 29, 2025
Various coastal sites on Maui
Summary: Participate in one of the world's largest citizen science projects, The Great Whale Count, organized by the Pacific Whale Foundation. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to assist in counting whales at designated coastal locations, contributing valuable data on population trends, migration patterns, and behaviors. The January 2025 count recorded an impressive 2,121 humpback whales, showcasing the vitality of Maui's whale population during the migration season. The upcoming counts on February 22 and March 29 offer additional opportunities to get involved. This event promotes marine conservation, community engagement, and a deeper appreciation for Maui’s majestic humpback whales. Don't forget your binoculars, sunscreen, and excitement for a rewarding experience along the coast.
Hunter Hayes Live in Concert
February 22, 2025, 7:30 PM
Castle Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Join Grammy-nominated country music sensation Hunter Hayes for a spectacular evening of live music. Known for hits like "Wanted," "I Want Crazy," and "Invisible," Hayes brings his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics to the Maui stage. A gifted singer and songwriter, Hunter Hayes is a platinum-selling artist celebrated for his memorable melodies and catchy tunes, showcasing his exceptional talent by playing all 30+ instruments featured on his albums. Celebrate with an unforgettable night of music, connection, and Hayes’s signature charisma in this intimate Maui setting.
Maui Public Art Film Festival
February 24–25, 2025, 6:00 PM
ProArts Playhouse, Kīhei
Experience the power of storytelling through film at the Maui Public Art Film Festival, featuring the unveiling of a unique collection of animated film shorts celebrating Lahaina’s history, culture, and sense of place. Free to the public, this event will be emceed by Sissy Lake-Farm and showcase the premiere of 10 mo‘olelo (stories) shared by Lahaina kupuna, brought to life by renowned animators including Richard O'Connor, Sasha Hercik, Jenna Lee, Syril Pecson, Zach Quemado, and Abby Worthley. The storytellers will be in attendance to share their reflections, and additional surprises are planned for audience members.
These animations are the result of the Hui Mo‘olelo: Lahaina program, a collaboration with Lahaina Restoration Foundation. Spearheaded by Kalapana Kollars and Anuhea Yagi, the project paired storytellers with intergenerational partners to audio-record treasured memories rooted in Lahaina. Selected by a community panel, artists transformed these recordings into visually captivating animated works after months of collaboration with storytellers. Visit the project pages to explore the story recordings, community consultations, and each artist’s creative process. This festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Lahaina.
Russell Peters: Relax World Tour
February 27, 2025, 7:30 PM
Castle Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter as internationally acclaimed comedian Russell Peters brings his Relax World Tour to Maui. Known for his ability to connect with audiences through relatable cultural commentary and real-life anecdotes, Peters masterfully explores topics ranging from family dynamics to the absurdities of everyday life. Peters has won Gemini, Peabody, Emmy, and Canadian Screen Awards for his hosting, producing, and acting. His most recent TV series, "The Indian Detective," set a Canadian viewership record for Bell Media/CTV in 2017 and was later released globally on Netflix.
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